Melatonin & Cortisol Sleep Test

About this test – Melatonin & Cortisol Sleep Test

Why test your sleep hormones?

Melatonin and cortisol follow a daily rhythm and play key roles in regulating sleep and wake cycles. Disruptions in this pattern may occur for various reasons and can affect sleep quality.

This test may be relevant when exploring:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Night waking

• Disrupted or irregular sleep patterns

• Feeling unrefreshed after sleep

• Irregular sleep schedules or circadian rhythm changes

How it works

1. Collect a saliva sample at home during the night (between 12 AM and 2 AM)

2. Send your sample to the laboratory using the prepaid return envelope

3. Your sample is analysed using validated laboratory methods

4. Receive your digital results within 3–5 days

You can also use our AI-based chat to help interpret your results.

Key information

• Sample type: Saliva

• Sampling time: Between 12 AM and 2 AM

• Turnaround time: 3–5 days from when the lab receives your sample

• Results: Delivered digitally

• Laboratory: Accredited laboratory

• Shipping: Return shipping included

Accredited Laboratory

Your sample is analysed at a NATA-accredited laboratory in Australia, operating in accordance with ISO 15189 standards for medical testing. This ensures that all analyses are performed using validated methods and strict quality control procedures to provide accurate and reliable results.

Biomarkers included – Melatonin & Cortisol Sleep Test

• Midnight Cortisol: Midnight Cortisol measures cortisol levels during the night, when cortisol is normally expected to be low. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in stress response, metabolism, immune regulation and blood pressure. Levels usually rise in the morning and gradually fall throughout the day. Elevated midnight cortisol may suggest increased night time stress signa
• Midnight Melatonin: Midnight Melatonin measures melatonin levels during the night, when melatonin is normally expected to be elevated. Melatonin is a hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland and helps regulate the body’s internal clock and sleep wake rhythm. Levels usually rise in the evening, peak overnight and fall toward morning. Low midnight melatonin may suggest reduced night time sleep signalling and can be

How to prepare – Melatonin & Cortisol Sleep Test

Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for 30 minutes before sample collection. Sample must be collected between 12:00 AM and 2:00 AM. Stop melatonin supplements for 48 hours prior to testing.

Frequently asked questions – Melatonin & Cortisol Sleep Test

Why should I test Melatonin and Cortisol together?

This at-home sleep hormone test specifically measures the 'inverse relationship' between cortisol and melatonin. If cortisol is high when it should be low (midnight), it inhibits melatonin, leads to night-waking, and disrupts sleep architecture. This dual-marker approach is essential for identifying the source of melatonin deficiency symptoms.

Do I need to stop taking supplements before testing?

For the most accurate baseline during your circadian rhythm test, it is recommended to stop melatonin supplements for 48 hours and high-dose Biotin (B7) for 72 hours prior to collection. Always consult your physician before changing medication or ending a prescribed supplement regimen.

Is a saliva test as accurate as a blood test?

A saliva cortisol test kit measures 'free' hormones (the ones active in your body), whereas blood tests measure total hormones (including those bound to proteins). For circadian rhythm tracking and identifying a midnight cortisol spike, saliva is non-invasive and more reflective of real-time cellular activity during sleep.

Can I take this test if I work night shifts?

If you work night shifts, you should collect your sample during your 'biological midnight' (the midpoint of your primary sleep cycle). Our report helps identify how your hormones align with your specific lifestyle, making it a valuable tool for shift-work optimization.

Customer reviews – Melatonin & Cortisol Sleep Test

4.6/5 (5)

• 4/5 — The 2 AM window is a bit annoying to wake up for, but the data is worth it. Quality lab report.
• 5/5 — Great test for understanding my sleep issues.
• 5/5 — Results came back in 4 days and confirmed I had high cortisol at night. Really helpful for my doctor.
• 4/5 — I liked how quickly the results were uploaded. It was easy to use despite the 30-minute prep rule.
• 5/5 — Fast shipping and the instructions were very easy to follow.